Cannabis retail giant The Cannabist Company, formerly Columbia Care, has expanded its digital footprint with the Stash Cash app—a loyalty and ordering platform designed to reward repeat customers across its growing network of dispensaries. But does it truly benefit shoppers, or is it another buggy gimmick? Here’s an in-depth look.
Core Features & How It Operates
Stash Cash is available on iOS and Android and links directly to your Cannabist Company account. Once you sign up, you start earning 1 point for every dollar spent on eligible purchases at participating dispensaries. Once you accumulate 100 points, you can redeem them for $5 off future orders—creating a straightforward cash-back style system that incentivizes loyalty.
The app also functions as a mobile ordering hub, letting users browse menus by location, place pickup orders, and get real-time updates about sales and restocks. Its product discovery tool, Forage, aims to help customers explore strains, edibles, and vapes matched to their needs based on desired effects or past purchases—essentially acting as a digital budtender.
Benefits for Customers
- Universal Rewards
A single account collects points across all affiliated brands and states—ideal for travelers or patients in multiple markets. - Transparency & Simplicity
Unlike some cannabis reward programs with confusing tiers, Stash Cash keeps things clear with an easy $1-per-point system and direct dollar value on redemptions. - Personalized Shopping
Forage’s AI-powered product recommendations make it easier for new users to find strains or products suited to their preferences, whether they want something energetic or sedating. - Timely Notifications
App-exclusive deals, restock alerts, and dispensary events are delivered via push notifications, so customers never miss an opportunity to save or try something new. - Centralized Management
The app lets you manage your profile, see purchase history, and track points—convenient for patients who need records of medical cannabis purchases.
Drawbacks & Common Issues
Despite the positives, many users have voiced concerns through app store reviews and forums:
- Redemption Glitches
A frequent complaint is points either not updating after purchases or failing to apply at checkout, leaving customers unable to redeem promised rewards. - State-by-State Limitations
Due to regulatory inconsistencies, some states restrict which products points can be used on. In certain regions, points might only apply to accessories, limiting actual cannabis rewards. - Technical Problems
Reviews consistently mention app crashes, unresponsive menus, and a sluggish interface—issues that make ordering and browsing frustrating rather than seamless. - Limited Store Participation
Not all Cannabist Company dispensaries support Stash Cash fully. Shoppers report visiting stores listed in the app only to be told rewards cannot yet be redeemed there. - Poor Customer Support
Some users describe lengthy or unresolved support tickets when reporting lost points or bugs, leaving them feeling unheard.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use Stash Cash?
The Stash Cash app stands out for its straightforward rewards model, cross-store integration, and smart product recommendations. When it works, it creates a convenient shopping experience that encourages loyalty and helps patients discover products suited to their needs.
But persistent glitches in point tracking and app performance undercut its promise. Customers in fully supported markets like Maryland, New Jersey, and West Virginia may find it worthwhile, especially if they frequently shop at Cannabist locations. However, those in states with partial support or stricter regulations should temper expectations until functionality improves.
Pro Tip
If you decide to use Stash Cash:
- Keep digital receipts to verify purchases if points don’t post.
- Check your state’s cannabis reward restrictions—flower redemptions are limited in some markets.
- Update the app regularly; patches sometimes fix critical bugs.
Verdict: Stash Cash is a promising loyalty platform for The Cannabist Company’s retail network, but inconsistent reliability makes it a mixed bag. Dedicated customers in supported locations will appreciate its perks, while others may want to wait for more stable updates before diving in.